Six Candidates Set for Televised Debate Ahead of UN Secretary-General Selection
Six candidates for UN Secretary-General are set to debate on July 23, 2026, ahead of the formal selection process on July 30. This crucial selection occurs as the United Nations grapples with a profound crisis, with hopefuls navigating a cautious campaign to succeed Antonio Guterres amidst calls for reform and greater leadership.
Six candidates seeking to become the next United Nations Secretary-General are set to participate in a televised debate on July 23, 2026, at the UN General Assembly Hall in New York.
The 90-minute session comes just one week before the formal selection process begins and is expected to provide diplomats, UN staff, and civil society representatives an opportunity to assess the candidates' visions for the organisation at a critical time.
The debate, scheduled for 5:00 p.m. (2100 GMT) and to be broadcast by Bloomberg, will feature Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, and Macky Sall of Senegal. The candidates are competing to succeed outgoing Secretary-General António Guterres.
President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, described the debate as an important step in promoting transparency and public engagement in the leadership selection process. The next UN Secretary-General will assume office at a time when the organisation faces mounting global challenges and growing calls for institutional reform.